Students build electric car for street race

Students from East Riding College built an electric car from scratch to compete in the UK’s first electric street race. The group of engineering students built, tested and raced an electric car in the Greenpower Street Race which raced around the streets of Hull on Sunday 28 April.

This is the first time that an electric closed road race has taken place in the UK and the College’s students raced in the F24+ category, which included a test event to prepare drivers for the challenging track and full scrutineering for roadworthiness prior to the race.

Alex Sheldon who heads up Construction and Engineering at the College said, “We’re really proud of the whole team – both staff and students - for the work they put into preparing for this unique race. It takes a lot of commitment from everyone involved, but I think it’s proven to be really beneficial for the students involved.”

Micky Gascoigne, aged 20 from Beverley who studies engineering at the College said, “It was a good experience, and it was good getting to know the different students from the other teams and understanding their designs too. The preparation was fun, with lots of motor vehicle and engineering students working together, it was a real team effort.”

Trainee Tutor Tom Hewitt, who led the team said, “The students learned a lot through the whole process, from the initial design and construction to working with the electrical components and doing the mechanical engineering. Our generous sponsors, Halmshaws and Insignia helped towards the cost of equipment, uniforms and pit lane kit, helping the students get the full Formula 24+ experience.”